Jim Carrey signs on to 'Mr. Popper's Penguins'

Image Credit: Chris Hatcher/PR PhotosThe long-gestating project about a man and his penguins is finally a go with Jim Carrey in the leading role. Carrey will play Mr. Popper, a New York City businessman whose life is turned upside down when he acquires six penguins in the mail. Mark Waters (Mean Girls, The Spiderwick Chronicles) will direct the script from Jared Stern (Bolt).

The movie, which will feature live-action and CG elements, is based on the 1938 award-winning book by Richard and Florence Atwater, and has been bouncing around Hollywood for some time. The most recent incarnation had Ben Stiller starring with Noah Baumbach directing. Jack Black had also circled the project at one point.